A FUN-FILLED event which dates back to 1886 is set to attract families this weekend.

Swindon’s traditional children’s fete will be held in the GWR Park in Faringdon Road tomorrow and is expected to be a huge hit for children and big kids too.

The fete dates back to 1855 but it disappeared with the Second World War.

The Swindon’s Mechanics’ Trust revived the event in 2003 and organisers have vowed to continue with all the activities planned despite the rain which has been forecast.

A spokesman for the trust said: “The afternoon will be filled with lots of fun activities for children including an arts and crafts tent, a fun fair, circus skills, an under five’s play area, Olympic-type games and DJ workshops, along with stalls for local children’s charities, community organisations, artists and craft makers.

“The Olympic Games will feature prominently in the day’s events and the jubilee will be reflected in the 4pm traditional cake, and celebratory fireworks.

“In the distant past, children received a free 8oz slice of fruitcake; today’s children will hopefully love the range of decorated cupcakes, funded in part by a Big Lottery’s Awards For All grant.

“We will also have an Elder Children’s Marquee – some of our Elder Children are well into their 80s and would have been to many of the original children’s fetes.

“The Mechanics’ Trust is aiming to make 2012 the biggest and best modern children’s fete yet and been working to put new activities in place to ensure there is something there for all ages.”

In the day, there will be stage performances from the Bollywood Dreamers, majorettes, Swindon Dog Dancers and other dance groups. In the evening there will be bands, and an acrobatic performance and fireworks to finish the day just before 10pm. Organisers would like to hear from any performance groups who would like to take part in the day.

The fun kicks off at 12pm at Faringdon Road Park tomorrow.Visit www.mechanics-trust.org.uk.